Local fishers, tourism and NEDA officials and advocates urge Senate to approve the bill

Tacloban City, Philippines – This island that has been known as the pathway of typhoons from the Eastern seaboard now has a prominent spot in the Philippine map of tourist destinations that uphold ecological integrity above all else.

Panaon Island is an island between the archipelago of the Visayas and Mindanao, down south and is host to very good coral cover that surpasses the national average, home to whale shark, sea turtle and other important marine species, and a favorite stopover of endangered Philippine duck.

Region VIII Regional Development Council Secretary and Assistant Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority Atty. Jam Colas-Villaber said she believes that the declaration of Panaon Island as a protected seascape through the legislation in the Senate is a crucial step to safeguard the preservation and sustainable management of the island’s unique marine biodiversity for future generations.

According to locals, protecting Panaon Island means protecting their livelihood. “Malaking tulong sa amin ang nakukuhang income sa whale shark watching,” said Raul Cordova, village chief of Son-ok in Pintuyan town. “Itong mga whale shark at corals, parte ng pinangangalagaan namin dahil pinagkakakitaan namin ito – maliban pa sa pangingisda. Dito talaga kami umaasa,” he adds. Panaon Island boasts of sustainable whale shark watching – one managed by locals in a way that does not disrupt their natural feeding cycles and seasons.

“We fully support the bill to protect Panaon Island and we are optimistic this legislation will contribute to improving our tourism efforts. Not only is it a part of Sogod Bay, it’s also a true gem among the Philippines’ dive spots and deserves much attention and protection. Protecting this area is essential to preserve its natural beauty and in sustaining local livelihoods,” said Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Boris Pascubillo.

Community leaders, regional officials, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens are rallying behind a crucial legislative effort to designate Panaon Island in Southern Leyte as a protected area under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act, Republic Act 11038. Amid escalating threats from illegal fishing practices, crown of thorns infestation, pollution and the adverse effects of climate change, supporters have been calling for the swift Senate approval which is critical to safeguarding the island’s exceptional marine biodiversity, upon which many residents depend for their livelihood.

Oceana, a leading marine conservation organization has facilitated consultations and capacity-building sessions with local communities across Panaon Island. During the discussion, the extent of illegal activities such as compressor fishing and night spearfishing in the island, and the serious issue of crown of thorns infestation were raised.

“The immediate approval of this bill is crucial for the sustainable management and long-term protection of Panaon Island,” said Gloria Estenzo Ramos, Vice President of Oceana. “The local fisherfolk are well-versed in what they need to protect their own already. This legislation will empower them through local governance, stronger law enforcement, and ensure that national agencies and local governments can work together to be responsible stewards of these vital resources,” Ramos added.

In November 2023, the House of Representatives passed the bill protecting Panaon Island on its third reading. Backed by Senator Cynthia Villar and national conservation leaders, the bill’s passage through the Senate would mark a pivotal step in realizing the Philippines’ commitment to the global “30×30” conservation goal: protecting 30 percent of the nation’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has prioritized Panaon Island as a critical area for conservation. The island’s coral reefs are part of the global “50 Reefs” initiative, underscoring their resilience and potential for contributing to climate change mitigation.

Oceana’s 2020 expedition to Panaon’s reefs found coral cover exceeding 60 percent, far above the national average of 20 percent. However, these ecosystems are at significant risk due to climate change impacts, and other human-induced pressures, jeopardizing not only the health of the marine habitats and biodiversity but also the island’s fishing-dependent communities.

Today, the Senate is set to resume its interpellation of this bill alongside 10 other legislative measures for proposed protected area designations. Advocates call on the senators to act decisively to protect Panaon Island’s marine ecosystems before they are irreparably damaged. By granting this area the legal protections it needs, the Philippines Senate can help secure a resilient future for fisheries, biodiversity and the communities who rely on a healthy sea for sustenance. (END)

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 300 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.